Idaho may be one of the United States’ best kept secrets. Sometimes confused with Ohio and Iowa, or talked about in relation to its famous potatoes, Idaho has a lot more to offer than many people outside the state realize. Its most popular feature is outdoor recreation; Idaho’s landscape is bursting with variety. Mountains soar above 12,000 feet and canyons plunge to form Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. Idaho also has more wilderness than any other state in the lower 48. The state’s 13 national forests are great for fishing, hiking, and hunting, and the backcountry is filled with trails for backpacking and exploring.

Idaho also faces some real challenges, particularly in education. As much as we all want to believe Idaho’s public education system is preparing all kids for success, there’s a lot of data that says otherwise. Some of Idaho’s 302,000 students go to schools that present them with countless opportunities—AP classes, mentoring programs, college counselors, and a menu of extracurricular programs. But thousands of kids, mostly from lower-income families or students of color, don’t have the same access. They attend schools unequipped to meet their needs and lack access to the tools they need to own their futures.

More and more Idahoans are recognizing the inequity that exists within our public schools and are calling for change. Policy makers from both sides of the aisle increasingly recognize their responsibility to enact legislation and policies that expand access for Idaho kids. Innovative school leaders and teachers are leading students to amazing results and inspiring us with what’s possible. Learn more about one innovative corps member, Samantha Showers (Idaho ’17), and how she’s empowering her high school students.

Teach For America Idaho is adding fuel to this movement. We’re recruiting more leaders to serve as high quality educators for some of Idaho’s neediest students. You’ll become a lifelong advocate, continuing to push for change, from all sectors and industries.

As an Idaho corps member, you’ll have the opportunity to fuel the new and growing movement for educational equity in Idaho.

Footer

Teach For America is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. Copyright 2019 Teach For America, Inc. All rights reserved. Teach For America logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Teach For America, Inc.